Last Saturday, I sat in the Bagdad Theater and heard over and over again how fantastic Portland is. The films and the speakers at a Film Celebration of Portland Transportation heaped praise upon Portland’s progressive bicycle and transportation achievements.

And then along came a Clarence Eckerson film with an interview of Enrique Penalosa.

As Mayor of Bogota Colombia from 1998-2001, Penalosa radically altered the social and cultural landscape of that city by taking bold steps to encourage use of public transportation and bicycles.

“I know that the point may be to shut down Interbike, but let’s be realistic, it isn’t going to happen in a year or two or even five. What happens in the mean time?”–Donna TocciKryptonite

Reactions to yesterday’s big news that Eurobike boss (and Hood River resident) Erich Reiss plans to launch a major US bike industry trade show in Portland this September (which I’ll call “Eurobike Portland” until an official name surfaces) has quickly spread around the bike biz and the web.

As I’ve talked to people involved (still waiting to hear from Reiss) and read reports on blogs and bike news outlets, reactions have ranged from shock, surprise, confusion, excitement and concern.

Long-time customer Aaron Tarfman stopped by to check out the new space and chat with shop owner Corey Cartwright:

“He’s got three times the space and a huge amount of daylight…he’s thrilled with his new spot. There’s plenty of space for more bikes and Corey’s warm-hearted smile greets each and every customer. I’ve long been a fan of Corey both because he’s so amicable, but he has also been very supportive of the Community Exchange Bike School.